Natsuhiko's Shadow Technique had a flaw.
The problem lay in the swift flipping of the pages and the frenzied blinking of his eyes when he performed this Jutsu, making Natsuhiko appear extremely neurotic.
Even the librarian aunt, who was originally tidying up books in the vicinity, dared not approach within five metres radius around Natsuhiko now.
At the present moment, she was hiding behind the counter, secretly observing Natsuhiko.
She couldn't help but whisper, "Oh my, the curse of the Sealing Jutsu class is getting stronger..."
This librarian aunt, who seemed to have some connections with previous instructors but was clearly not a ninja, was unaware that her supposedly quiet mutterings were perfectly clear to Natsuhiko.
"..."
Natsuhiko felt that his reputation was being tarnished.
Perhaps the curse of the Sealing Jutsu class was escalating in this absurd manner.
Always being whispered about like this, even if there was no curse, he seemed to have acquired one.
Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Natsuhiko continued documenting the contents of the books in his hands.
If possible, he didn't want to turn this place into a performance stage.
Unfortunately, the books in the ancient book section couldn't be borrowed even by senseis; they had to browse through them in the library.
It seemed that this Shadow Technique required some improvement.
Natsuhiko found it strange in his heart.
Why did he think that using his eyes as a lens and blinking as a shutter was a good idea in the first place?
Unfortunately, improvement was not something that could be achieved quickly.
So, Natsuhiko had to endure the disapproving gaze of the librarian aunt and continue his book-scanning endeavour.
Some time later.
"After searching for a long time, it turns out you were here, kid!"
The sudden loud voice completely interrupted Natsuhiko's concentrated work state.
Turning his head, Natsuhiko saw a sensei appearing at the entrance of the ancient book section, waving and walking towards him.
"Hush!"
Seeing it was Director Umino, the librarian aunt's courage returned, and she gestured for him to be quiet, with a finger on her lips.
Natsuhiko nodded obediently to her and faced the impending attack from the sensei.
"Keep the library quiet. If you want to talk, do it outside," Director Umino said, putting a finger to his lips and motioning for silence.
With a sheepish smile, Director Umino then made a motion as if zipping his mouth shut.
Natsuhiko quickly documented the last few pages of "Summoned Beast Girl Evaluation Guide" and closed the book.
Then he pointed his finger outside, signalling Director Umino to speak outside.
The two walked out of the library under the disdainful gaze of the librarian aunt.
Outside the library, Director Umino mimicked unzipping his mouth before asking, "I couldn't find you anywhere these past few days. Have you been staying in the library all this time?"
"You could say that. Sensei, were you looking for me?" Natsuhiko asked, rubbing his somewhat tired eyes.
"Of course, I have something important to discuss!" Director Umino said, looking at Natsuhiko with a hint of resentment.
"You've got some talent. Yesterday's wordless and silent class made quite a stir. Everyone in the academy is talking about your Sealing Jutsu class these days!"
"Isn't that a good thing?" Natsuhiko didn't quite understand where the resentment in Director Umino's words came from.
"It's good for you," Director Umino said while staring at him. "The rest of us senseis are in trouble. Many students are applying to switch to your class, and these days, the sensei offices are in chaos trying to deal with it. Meanwhile, you're comfortably sitting in the library reading!"
"I was obviously standing and reading..." Natsuhiko sarcastically thought but didn't say it out loud, not wanting to upset Director Umino's fragile soul.
The situation Director Umino described was unexpected for Natsuhiko.
Although the first Sealing Jutsu class he taught to students yesterday was intentionally designed to spark interest, Natsuhiko didn't expect the level of enthusiasm to become a problem.
It seemed he underestimated the allure of the images created by his projection technique for the young ninjas.
After quickly organising the information in his mind, Natsuhiko asked Director Umino, "So, sensei, why are you looking for me now..."
It couldn't be that he was going to be fired, right? Natsuhiko had to write a big apology for the curse of the Sealing Jutsu class if that were the case.
As for the real matter at hand, Director Umino became serious and cleared his throat before saying, "Because you were unavailable earlier, Biwako-sama took the initiative to arrange things. I'm just here to inform you."
"There are mainly two things, um... I suppose you could call them good news."
"Firstly, some of the applications from those who want to switch to the Sealing Jutsu class have been approved by Biwako-sama."
"Due to the increase in numbers, the academy has assigned you a new, spacious room. This is a privilege that other senseis don't have!"
Director Umino concluded, looking at Natsuhiko with satisfaction.
Although he had just complained about Natsuhiko increasing his workload, Director Umino was actually proud of Natsuhiko's activity.
After all, these were the students he taught.
As for the fact that Natsuhiko's Sealing Jutsu wasn't something he taught, Director Umino chose to selectively ignore it.
Unfortunately, Natsuhiko didn't show much excitement after hearing his words.
Is that it?
Natsuhiko asked in a flat tone, "Did my salary increase?"
Director Umino's expression froze. "...No, it didn't."
Natsuhiko spread his hands in a speechless manner.
"So, how is this good news?" he asked.
"With more students to teach, more work, but no increase in salary. I feel like I'm the one at a loss here," Natsuhiko added.
Director Umino was momentarily at a loss for words.
Natsuhiko's argument made sense, and he found himself unable to respond.
He quickly shook his head, realising he was on the verge of being swayed by Natsuhiko's words.
"As a sensei, it's not about the money!" he declared with stern righteousness.
Director Umino felt that, as Natsuhiko's former sensei, it was necessary to impart to him the final lesson about what teacher ethics meant.
Before he could start, Natsuhiko asked, "And what's the second piece of good news?"
Natsuhiko quickly shifted the topic to interrupt Umino Sensei's lecturing mode, fearing another lecture, and disrupted his spellcasting preparation.
Just as Umino Sensei was brewing a bellyful of words, Natsuhiko's interruption almost caused him internal injury.
After finally calming down, he begrudgingly informed, "Another thing is, because your class has too many students, and Biwako-sama is afraid you won't be able to handle it, she arranged an assistant for you."
"An assistant?" Natsuhiko's brows slightly furrowed.
He had never heard of the Academy having assistants, feeling there was something fishy about it. Moreover, having another person in the office would be quite inconvenient.
So Natsuhiko organised his words and refused, saying, "Um... I think I'm still young and can handle it myself. Let's skip the assistant."
He thought, let the assistant be enjoyed by Umino Sensei instead. It's perfect for keeping them busy, and when there's nothing to do...
Unfortunately, Umino Sensei refused his refusal. "Too late, it's because you were nowhere to be found before. Besides, since the assistant is already here, you should go meet her first."
Didn't expect the Ninja World to use "since you're here" like that.
Natsuhiko felt helpless, knowing he couldn't refuseUmino Sensei's refusal of his refusal.
"So, Sensei, where is this assistant you're talking about?"
"Oh, since I couldn't find you earlier, I asked her to wait for you in your office. You should hurry back there."
Umino Sensei just remembered this, urging Natsuhiko on.
"Are you sure you let that assistant into my office?"
Natsuhiko had a strange expression.
"Yes, I was worried she couldn't get in, so I gave her the spare key," replied Umino Sensei.
Afterwards, he added, "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, she's a girl, so don't be too rude."
Unfortunately, Natsuhiko wasn't paying attention at all.
From the moment he learned that the assistant was in his office, he had a foreboding feeling.
Glancing subconsciously to the upper right corner of his field of view, Natsuhiko noticed several messages piled up in the notification bar he had set up there.
Opening them, he confirmed that each message was reminding him that someone had entered his office.
Obviously, someone had triggered the sense barrier Natsuhiko had set up two days ago.
Why didn't he notice it earlier?
It was because he was engrossed in scanning books and didn't pay attention to the messages.
It seemed like the reminder function needed some improvement. Perhaps adding a sound alert would be helpful.
Natsuhiko thought subconsciously.
Wait!
Now's not the time to think about that!
Natsuhiko quickly remembered that when he set up the sense barrier, he also set up a binding barrier as a trap.
Anyone entering the office without Natsuhiko's consent would trigger it.
"Darn it!"
Without thinking too much, Natsuhiko turned and hurried towards his office.
"Hey, Natsuhiko, where are you going?"
Umino Sensei stared in astonishment at Natsuhiko's rapidly departing figure, scratching his head in bewilderment after a moment.
"Just because it's a girl, he's running so fast? Youngsters are impatient."
...
Sealing Jutsu Sensei's office wasn't far from the library, so Natsuhiko quickly arrived nearby.
Seeing the office door wide open, Natsuhiko's expression darkened.
"I hope she's okay..."
He prayed inwardly, took a deep breath, and step by step approached the office door, peering inside...
What greeted his eyes was a scene too distressing to behold:
A girl with fiery-red long hair was suspended midair in the office.
Bound tightly in a black rope made of crude and thick runic techniques resembling a turtle shell, she heaved with heavy breaths, her clothes drenched in sweat signifying intense struggle.
However, her vacant, listless expression suggested she had given up.
It reminded Natsuhiko of a salted fish hanging on a rack.
"Ah, this..."
Natsuhiko felt a pang of guilt.
The girl also noticed Natsuhiko peeking in at the door and gradually brightened with a glimmer of hope in her pupils, reigniting her hope of being rescued.
Initially planning to cry out for help, her first words subconsciously were:
"Be careful! There's a trap in this office!"
I know because I set it up.
Natsuhiko inwardly scoffed.
But of course, he couldn't say that in reality.
Before coming to the office, he had already prepared contingency plans for various possible situations.
Seeing the girl's seemingly not-so-bright demeanour, Natsuhiko decided to execute Plan 996, attempting to shift the blame.
"Oh no! Who could be so despicable as to set a trap in my office?"
Natsuhiko exclaimed in shock, trying to portray the ignorance of someone unaware of the situation.
Unfortunately, his performance was a bit exaggerated.
Clearly, Natsuhiko didn't possess the innate talent for acting that is typical of a transmigrator.
Once again, he was a drag on the organisation.
Actually, Natsuhiko had been wanting to complain.
How did those transmigrator seniors manage to manipulate various old foxes and engage in acting contests as soon as they transmigrated?
What did they do in their previous lives?
The girl, not convinced by Natsuhiko's acting, instead noticed that this was his office.
"Is this your office? So, you're the new Sealing Jutsu Sensei..."
The girl was initially surprised by Natsuhiko's youth, but her gaze turned somewhat resentful. "And this trap..."
Natsuhiko widened his eyes and said, "Why are you falsely accusing me out of nowhere?"
"I've been in the library for the past few days preparing for class, and I didn't have time to change the setup of the office..."
As he spoke, Natsuhiko suddenly clapped his hands together, as if he had just realised something, and exclaimed, "It must be a Sealing Jutsu trap left by the previous sensei, and somehow you triggered it."
The girl looked at Natsuhiko sceptically.
How did you come out unscathed?
Could it be that the trap was specifically designed for girls?
Natsuhiko naturally thought of this possibility and patched it up: "Probably because the previous sensei wasn't around, and no one maintained this trap, so it's hit or miss."
Translated, it meant tough luck for you!
The girl's face darkened.
While what Natsuhiko said was plausible, she was not too willing to accept the fact that she was just unlucky.
But the girl also knew that who set the trap was no longer the focus. The most important thing now was to get herself out of this predicament.
So she reluctantly accepted Natsuhiko's explanation and asked, "Could you please help me remove this trap and let me down
?"
"Of course, no problem."
Natsuhiko readily agreed, secretly sighing in relief.
Finally, he passed this temporary hurdle.
...
A moment later, inside Sealing Jutsu Sensei's office.
Natsuhiko was giving the girl a brief introduction about himself.
"I'm Natsuhiko Amou, sixteen years old. I recently became a Special-Jonin and took up the position of Sealing Jutsu Sensei two days ago. Nice to meet you."
The girl also introduced herself, although sounding weak.
"I'm Uzumaki Kushina, fifteen years old, a Chunin. I will be serving as the assistant for the Sealing Jutsu class. Please guide me."
Is she really Uzumaki Kushina?
Although Natsuhiko had suspected when he saw the red hair, confirming that she was indeed Uzumaki Kushina stirred some waves in his mind.
He was a year older than Kushina, but due to the timing of their births, he was actually two school years ahead.
When Kushina transferred to Konoha, he had already graduated and moved on to the Seal class. That's why they had little interaction, and Natsuhiko wasn't sure about her identity earlier.
Considering that Mito-sama was still alive, it meant Kushina hadn't become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki yet.
He remembered that before becoming a Jinchuriki, Kushina had experienced a kidnapping incident. He wondered if that had happened yet.
Also, from Kushina's encounter with his Sealing Jutsu trap, it seemed her skill level wasn't as high as Natsuhiko had imagined.
Was he careless, or was her current skill not as advanced as it would be later?
Maybe he could test it later.
After organising his thoughts about Kushina's information, Natsuhiko smiled and extended his hand.
"I'm a novice teacher just like you. Let's work together to make the Sealing Jutsu class successful!"
"Sure," Kushina verbally agreed, but instead of shaking hands, she just stared fixedly at Natsuhiko's hand.
Natsuhiko awkwardly withdrew his hand, continuing to search for a topic.
"My teaching style is a bit different from other sensei, so feel free to ask me any questions about the course in the future."
"Can I ask questions unrelated to the course?" Kushina suddenly said.
"Of course, that's not a problem."
"Then, I have one."
"Go ahead."
"May I ask how much longer it will take for you to remove the trap and let me down?"
Kushina, still suspended midair, was on the verge of tears.
____________
PS(Author Notes): According to the timeline I referred to, Kushina's kidnapping should have occurred in the forty-first year of Konoha, the year just before the start of this book's plot. However, for plot arrangement, I postponed it by a year, placing it later.
After all, Kushina is the female protagonist of this book, and I can't let her have a predetermined relationship with Minato.
What? You say that would make the story more exciting?
PS2: Kushina was already wearing a headband when she was kidnapped, so please don't claim she was kidnapped during her ninja school days. I've been getting criticised for this, and I'm quite helpless.
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